The Dodge Ram, unlike the Chevrolet Silverado, at least has a strong structure that holds up well under a side impact, the Institute said. Unfortunately, it also lacks body-protecting airbags that could help prevent rib and internal organ injuries.
With "Good" marks for front impact and whiplash protection, the Ram could potentially earn a "Top Safety Pick" award with improvements in side-crash protection, the Institute said.
"Results from IIHS and other third-party test programs are reviewed by our engineers as part of our effort to continuously improve the overall performance of our vehicles," Chrysler said in a statement.
The Ram earned five starts in the federal government's front-crash test, but the government hasn't yet tested the Ram for side-impact protection.
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